Questions in the Gastroenterology and Liver Diseases Forum have been answered by Dr. Kevin Pho who is board certified in Internal Medicine and by doctors from Henry Ford Health System.

Question Title: Chronic constipation, fibromaylgia, osteoporosis, interstitial cystitis

Forum: The Gastroenterology and Liver Diseases Forum
Topic: Digestive


I am a 46 year old woman and have taken enemas for all my adult life. They have become harder and more time consuming as I get older. I take Lactoluse Syrup daily, about 1 and 1/2 ozs, and I add to that 3 herbal laxative capsules, and still I have to take several enemas daily. I have exhausted all options that I know of to no avail. It takes about 3 hours a day, from start of taking the medicine, until I am done with the enemas. I also have GERD, mitral valve prolapse, fibromaylgia, osteoporosis, interstitial cystitis, panic attacks, I am going thru the change and have no hormones and my bones are that of a 65 year old woman. If there is any help out there for me or someone that can relate to a similar situation, I would appreciate it. I am desparate. I am so depresssed. Thank you!

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Dear Ginny,
I am reluctant to comment on the possible causes for your chronic constipation. If not done, you should see agastroenterologist ofd colonscopist with expertise in the diagnosis and treament of chronic constipation. This is necessary to exclude rare conditions that can present as constipation.

If, after an evaluation you are felt to have idiopathic constipation, then one can try various regimens. The dose of lactulose that you u8se is low and should be increased. Additionally, fiber intake can be increased. Cisapride a prokinetic agent can be tried. Finally, for those patient refractiory to treatm,ent,we sometimes suggest the use of variable amounts of Golytely. The amount taken is dependent on how much fluid is needed to initiate defecation.

This information is presented foreducational purposes only. Always ask specific questions to your personal physician.

If you are in the Detroit area, we would be happy to see yopu in the Division of Gastroenterology Clinic of Henry Ford Health System. You can arrange an appoinment with Dr. Fogel, one of our experts in the diagnosis and treament of colonic disease, by calling the Physician Referral Line at (800)653-6568.

HFHSM.D.-rf
*keywords: constipation
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